"Wait, Mr. Right?" Shit. The list. Was it possible...?
Jax arched an eyebrow at him, though he looked amused. "That's what you heard out of all that?"
Matthew laughed softly. "I'm sorry. I just...." He cringed. "You saw that?"
"Yeah, your cousin was kind enough to share it with me. I don't have an excellent business portfolio, or any business portfolio for that matter. I'm not Ivy League, independently wealthy, or have excellent business prospects. I don't know that I'm marriage material, but you asked me, so there's gotta be something, right?"
"That bastard. Wait, none of that was on my list. I mean, Adam added a few things, which were more for him than for me, really." His face flushed. "Like the hot, great in bed, fashion sense. Not that you don't have all of that, but the rest wasn't there. I mean, does that really sound like me?"
Jax went pensive. "Actually, it sounds more like your cousin."
"That son of a bitch! He's been trying to keep us apart from the start."
"Yeah, I'm looking forward to getting better so I can kick his ass."
"I'll deal with Bryce. Right now, I have something more important to talk to you about."
"Oh?"
"I know you don't want to accept my help."
"Matty, if that's going to be a problem for you--"
"Just hear me out, please." Matthew took Jax's hand in his. "I'd like to offer a business proposal that would benefit the both of us."
Jax eyed him warily. "What kind of proposal?"
"Next spring, Hart & Home is launching an exciting new catalogue. I've been researching it for years and have been looking for the right businesses to bring in on this venture. I want to offer a unique, extraordinary line of services. Artists who will join Hart & Home to create unique pieces for our clients, and I could really use someone with your talent. You would have your own section of the catalogue with some copy about you, your experience, and an example of your work. You'd be commissioned to create beautiful pieces for people's homes, for restaurants, pubs, museums, boats. We'd negotiate your hours, so you still have time to work on personal pieces. What do you think?"
Jax stared at him. "You want to hire me?"
"Yeah, well, I want to make you one of our contractors. You'd be a permanent addition to the company, but I'll make sure you have the option to walk away at any time. With notice, of course."
"Would you be my boss?"
"It's more of a partnership. The clients request your services, talk directly to you, tell you what they want, and you tell them if you can or want to take on the project. The legal team will help you draft a contract that will protect both you and the client. No one looming over your shoulder, no one making demands. You can continue to work from your studio, or we can set up a studio belonging to Hart & Home. Either way, you'll be paid for your expenses, and that's not negotiable. I need to make sure you have all the equipment you need to do the job. You'll have the same company benefits every employee at Hart & Home has. We'll provide advertisement and exposure. You decide what interviews you want to do."
"You're serious about this?"
"Well, yeah. This is something I've been planning to do for a long time. You're extremely talented, and what you do is a dying art. I think between the both of us, we can bring a little more life into it. Dario Esperanza can't say enough good things about your work. My dad's been inundated with calls asking about you. He's been putting together a contact list for you. It's a genuine business proposition, Jax."
"No special treatment because I'm your... fiance?"
Matthew couldn't help his squeal. My God, it was like he was fifteen again. Who was he kidding? "I really need to hug you right now."
Jax rolled his eyes, though he was smiling when he did it. "Fine."
Very carefully, Matthew wrapped Jax in his arms, making sure not to press against him too tight. When he pulled back, Jax took hold of his chin and kissed him. It was a sweet, soft kiss, and Matthew couldn't keep from smiling like a dope.
"I love you, Jax Foster."
"I know," Jax muttered before a smile spread on his face. "I love you too. Dork."
Matthew chuckled. "You haven't called me that since school."
"Yeah, when you'd say something silly. Like when you asked if I ever wished you were a girl."
This time it was Matthew's turn to roll his eyes. "Well, I didn't know you liked boys."
"Kind of obvious that I did, considering I held your hand."
"We were kids. Kids hold hands."
"True. But I'd also kissed you. On the lips."
"I got nothing."
Jax grinned smugly. "Also, you didn't answer my question about no special treatment."
"Correct. We can set up a meeting, and I can go over everything with you. You'll receive everything the other artists receive. With one exception."
Jax peered at him. "What's that?"
"You get me."
Jax's smile was wide. "I can live with that."
"Good."
"I don't own a suit."
"We'll buy you one." Before Jax could protest, Matthew held up a hand. "You're going to need one. It's a business expense."
"Fine," Jax grumbled. His expression grew troubled, and he laced his fingers with Matthew's. "I think you need to talk to Adam about Rai."
Matthew couldn't help his dopey smile. "They're kinda cute together." Jax's frown gave him pause. "You don't think so?"
"I don't think you should encourage it." Jax shifted uncomfortably before he met Matthew's gaze. "Rai's a runner, Matty."
Matthew blinked at him. "I don't know what that is. Is it bad?"
"He's the guy mob bosses and other unsavory people send out to collect money, and if they don't pay, he handles it."
"He helped you save my life."
"And I'll never forget that, believe me. I like Rai, I do. I think he's a good guy, until the time comes when he isn't. Do you know how I met him?"
Matthew hadn't considered that. He shook his head.
"He was the one they sent to collect the ten thousand dollars from Dale. He had my father shoved up against the wall. I don't know what he would have done if I hadn't paid him. He cut Dale a break because the two of them had talked over lunch, and Rai wanted to fuck me."
Matthew straightened. "What?"
"Relax," Jax said, his lips lifting in the corner into a little smile. "It's not like that. He didn't know I was involved with anyone." He let out a heavy sigh. "He's bad news, Matty. Adam is a real sweet guy, and I don't want to see him get hurt, especially since I'm the reason Adam even knows Rai."
"I understand." Matthew covered their laced fingers with his hand. "But whatever happens, you need to understand that it's not your fault. Adam is a grown man, and he makes his own decisions. I can advise him, but that doesn't mean he'll listen."
Jax nodded his understanding. From what Matthew had seen, despite all of Rai's grumbling and griping, he obviously had a soft spot for Adam. Matthew would need to talk to his best friend. The last thing he wanted was for Adam to get in over his head, or get his heart broken by a man with a questionable profession.
Matthew pushed those thoughts aside for the moment and smiled at Jax. He leaned in and gently ran a hand over Jax's head, his voice quiet. "You really want to marry me?"
Jax searched Matthew's eyes. What he was looking for, Matthew had no idea. Finally Jax shrugged.
"Someone's gotta make an honest man out of you. Besides, being keeper of the lemon cake is hard work. I should get something out of it."
"Or," Matthew prompted, "you could just reveal your source."
Jax blinked at him before throwing his head back and laughing.
"I guess that's a no."
Chapter Sixteen
IT was like a dream.
Jax stood beside the bar of the dazzling marble ballroom filled with the city's wealthiest people, their sparkling diamond jewelry rivaled only by the blinding chandeliers. Several of his pieces were on display around the room, cou
rtesy of Hart & Home. After signing the contract that made him an exclusive artist for Hart & Home, he'd happily agreed to be part of the big unveiling that would showcase the new talent on offer, even if he was nervous as hell about it. Hart & Home had launched the spring catalogue with a host of services provided by a variety of artists. They had an artist who could paint anything in any style, from Rembrandt to Monet. He painted the most incredible murals with astonishing details. They had a guy who did astounding things with marble, another with iron. Matthew's father, Martin, had brought in the best and brightest, and he counted Jax among them.
Days after he signed the contract, Jax began second-guessing himself. He found it hard to believe Matthew truly believed Jax was what his company was looking for. Jax told himself maybe Matthew was just trying to help him out. Then one morning as Jax brought Matthew his usual slice of lemon cake--he still refused to give the man his source--Adam showed Matthew the email Martin Hart had sent him. It contained a list of top talents in New York City, all of whom Martin had personally looked into and believed would be perfect for Hart & Home. In the center of the list was J. Dustin.
It would take some getting used to, being around all this wealth and opulence. What if they exposed him as a charlatan? What if he disappointed Matthew or brought shame to his company? It wasn't just Jax's name on the line, but Matthew's.
A gentle hand on his back snapped him out of his thoughts.
"I could hear you worrying from across the room," Matthew said quietly. "They're going to love you. They already love your work."
"They do?"
Matthew nodded as he stood in front of Jax and tilted his chin up for a kiss. Jax felt the tension ease from his shoulders. Matthew had such a calming effect on him. Whenever he was on the verge of panicking or spiraling down a less than pleasant path, Matthew was always there to take his hand and steer him back into the warm glow of their love. Jax was working on his confidence, and he had to admit that having a room full of people gushing over his work didn't hurt his ego much.
"You're going to be amazing," Matthew assured him. "Adam already has a list a mile long of clients who want to talk to you about pieces, and those aren't even the ones in attendance tonight."
Each artist had their own featured page on the Hart & Home website, with everything from a gallery of their work to information on what kind of work they did, how long a piece could take, and so on.
Matthew took Jax's hand and led him to where his work was displayed. "Are you all right to meet some people? They've been dying talk to you."
"Sure." Jax followed along happily. When they were younger, Jax was always the one leading, but now he was happy to follow Matthew. They approached a group of about a dozen people, all clustered around one of Jax's more elaborate pieces, a Victorian-style gilded piece for whisky.
Matthew flashed his bright, charming smile. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like you to meet Jax Foster. One of Hart & Home's newest artist. These stunning gilded and glass etchings you see are his work."
Just as Matthew had said, everyone was excited and eager to meet him. For years, he'd taken his craft for granted, not having found the right audience for it and not having the connections necessary to advance his career. There were only so many pubs in New York City looking to commission him. Sure, people appreciated his art, but it wasn't something anyone could just buy and hang in their office. No one he knew then could afford to commission him. Now, everyone was keen to own one of his handcrafted pieces, a Jax Foster original. A week ago, he'd been interviewed by a big society magazine, claiming things like "up-and-coming," "artist to watch," and "must-have pieces."
One very elegant young woman in a slinky white dress gasped in awe. "Oh, Mr. Foster, I would love something like that peacock garden piece for my home. I think it would look stunning in the entryway."
"Me too," another gentleman agreed. "I have these hideous doors in the front of my new home and would love something Art Nouveau to match the brass chandeliers inside."
An older woman dressed in a designer pantsuit placed her hand to her chest. "You'll have to let me know the moment you start taking orders, Mr. Foster. Please."
Matthew politely put a hand up. "You'll all receive an email the moment Jax is ready to take on clients. He's currently setting up his new studio and bringing in some very exciting materials," Matthew informed them, his smile dazzling. It was something else watching Matthew work the crowd. They all absolutely loved him.
"I've been looking for something exceptional to place in the lobby of my firm. Something like that would be perfect," someone else chipped in.
"Will you be doing yachts?" a tall, white-haired man asked pleasantly. "Please tell me you are."
"Of course," Jax said. He'd already put together a list of the kind of work he'd be available for. Everything from pubs and restaurants, to yachts, houses, offices, business centers, and a host of other places. The group chatted excitedly, and after a few minutes, Matthew excused himself and Jax, then leaned into him as they walked.
"I told you. You're extremely talented, Jax. This isn't something anyone can do. You've worked hard at your craft for years, and it shows. You'll have your pick of clients and jobs." He stopped Jax in one of the quieter, more private alcoves. Jax cupped Matthew's face and kissed him before he remembered where they were. He pulled back quickly.
"Shit. I'm sorry."
Matthew looked puzzled. "Why?"
"You have a room full of clients and potential clients. They may not appreciate seeing us kiss."
"Jax, we're not being disrespectful or unprofessional by sharing a kiss. You're the man I'm going to marry. If anyone has a problem with that, they can go elsewhere."
"But your business--"
"Our business won't suffer. I'm out of the closet, and so are you. Anyone who doesn't like it is not someone we need to have in our lives. Your client list is going to be so full you won't be able to accept every offer. If someone can't handle a gay artist, well, there are plenty more clients who would happily push the sap into the Hudson to take their place, believe me." Matthew put his hand to Jax's cheek and kissed him. "I love you, Jax. You are what matters."
"What if I say the wrong thing or show up at the wrong place? I mean, I might not be looking in the couch cushions for spare change anymore, but I'm not used to eating at restaurants where a steak cost more than the rent I paid on my old apartment." He still couldn't believe he was living with Matthew.
"You're an artist. No one expects anything from you but exquisite pieces. You don't have to be anyone but yourself. In fact, I hope you won't be anyone but yourself."
"Is that so? Are you disappointed you didn't find your Mr. Right?" Jax teased.
Matthew rolled his eyes. "That guy is totally overrated."
"How do you feel about Mr. Wrong?"
"Now that guy makes my knees go weak." Matthew smiled before nipping at Jax's jaw. What Jax wouldn't give to be alone with Matthew right now.
As if reading his mind, Matthew took hold of Jax's hand.
"Let's go outside. I hear the gardens are very beautiful and a great place for sneaking off to for a little make-out session."
Jax laughed as he followed Matthew through the ballroom filled with guests mingling, drinking, and enjoying themselves. "I like the way you think."
Outside, the garden was even more stunning than Jax had imagined. Several elegantly dressed tables with soft glowing candles had been set up outside on the large stone balcony for those who wanted a little more privacy and quiet to chat. Matthew hurried them to the end of the balcony, then down a set of stairs that led to the garden. Jax couldn't remember a time when he'd felt happier or more lighthearted. He ran with Matthew, hand in hand, down the white-pebbled path through a garden decorated to look like something out of a fairy tale, with illuminated white paper lanterns strung high above their heads, white roses planted in the animal-shaped evergreen, and strings of twinkling lights adorning trees and tall hedges.
"Are you sur
e you want to sneak away from your own party?" Jax asked as Matthew pulled him behind one of the eight-foot-tall boxwoods.
"Our party," Matthew corrected. "And yes. I don't want our guests hearing the very sinful way you moan when I put my hands on you. That sound is reserved just for me."
"Can't argue with that," Jax said, smiling against Matthew's lips. The heat that flared through him was a welcome warmth. He could hardly believe how much his life had changed in such a short time, and yet it felt as if it had been forever. As if he'd loved Matthew forever. Jax had been lost for so long, and now he'd been given a second chance with the man who made his heart soar. Jax put everything he had into his kiss, treasuring the way Matthew melted against him, opened himself up, and lay himself bare for Jax. Only Jax.
Matthew whimpered, his sigh going right to Jax's groin.
"You two are disgusting," a familiar voice hissed.
Jax and Matthew started and pulled apart. What the hell? On instinct, Jax pulled Matthew behind him but was shocked when Matthew stepped out and put himself between Jax and a very angry-looking Arianna.
"You followed us? What the hell, Arianna? It's bad enough you stalk me at the office just to spit your venom at me, now you're doing it at social functions?" Matthew folded his arms over his chest. "Why don't you go back to your husband?"
"Why don't you just die?"
The hairs on the back of Jax's neck stood on end, and he stared at Arianna as realization dawned on Matthew.
"It was you."
Arianna wasn't just angry. She looked unhinged. Her eyes were wide and wild, her sneer all teeth. She was practically vibrating with fury.
"It would have been taken care of if you'd just died from that stupid salad."
Jesus. The woman was cold-blooded.
Matthew looked stunned. "You were the one who put the peanut oil in my salad?"
"It was easy. You order from the same damn place every day. I used Bryce to distract those idiots, slipped into the kitchen while they were preparing your lunch, and done. I'd already gone into your office days before and taken your EpiPen. You should have died."